Faking it for real

Operational preparation is essential for readiness and success. Training in safe, secure virtual environments prepares for both planned and unexpected events. Modelling and simulation solutions are enabling defence organisations to prepare more quickly, and run more effective operations. Advanced software solutions and the exponential increase in the quantity and quality of spatial data, has resulted in systems that can more realistically model the complexities of high risk real-world situations.

MapLink Pro for Training and Simulation
MapLink Pro is widely used within the Training & Simulation domain.  Customers include Thales Training & Simulation, Indra, Selex Galileo, Cassidian (formerly EADS-CASA), Elite Simulation Systems and HarTech.
The most common use of MapLink Pro within Training & Simulation is not in the simulator itself but rather it is used for developing the map display application for Instructor Operator Stations (IOS).  An IOS allows an instructor to control the scenario within the simulator and gauge how the student in the simulator reacts.
Thales Training & Simulation use MapLink Pro for the Tornado GR4 Simulator IOS, Selex Galileo use MapLink Pro for the Eurofighter Simulator IOS, Indra Sistemas use MapLink Pro for the IOS in many types of simulators including flight simulators for the A400M military transport aircraft, Eurocopter’s EC135 helicopter and several others.  Indra also use MapLink Pro for the IOS for bus driving simulators and other civil applications.

The following promotional video demonstrates SELEX Galileo Training Solutions

 (SELEX Galileo company Video : “Simulation and Training Solutions”)

However MapLink Pro’s involvement in the Training & Simulation market is not limited to providing the tools to develop the map display on Instructor Operator Stations.  HarTech in Israel for example use MapLink Pro to power their Smart Scenario Generator (SSG) product.  The SSG is an advanced framework for the creation, management and development of synthetic environments.

Beyond Defence Applications
Training and Simulation also has a place in disaster planning, emergency response and border protection. It is clear that the advantages of modelling in virtual worlds can be applied to many different industries. Simulation and Training can prepare organisations for a wide range of situations in advance of events happening. Modern deployment options across networks can now provide cost effective training facilities. As the cost of hardware decreases whilst the performance increases, training and simulation will become much more cost effective.

Future Challenges – Data Management
Additionally, there is growing interest from the Training & Simulation market in spatial data management.  Indeed, as this market is increasingly driven to use real-world geospatial data as opposed to synthetic map data in a bid to facilitate interoperability between different simulators and other systems such as mission planning and post-mission analysis tools, Envitia’s SDMS is well-suited to provide the solution to the resulting geospatial data management challenges.

Finally, as we continue to see increases in fuel and equipment costs in an environment where organisations are looking to reduce budgets, I think we will continue to see an increase in the demand for Training and Simulation solutions. Envitia will be exhibiting at I/ITSEC 2011 - stand number 2806, drop by for a chat.

Andy Shaw – Account Manager